As bloggers (if as loosely as that term can apply to me, since I blog so appallingly infrequent), we understand and appreciate and VALUE our constitutionally protected RIGHT to free speech, do we not?  However, there are certain rules and regulations that we are required to follow, if we want to play here, right? We can't slander and libel; we can't be obscene (define obscene) and other such minor constraints.

Now, let's think for one second about what if it were our JOB to report news, write stories about things that are happening, and if we are SO fortunate, to speak for an entire network on public television/radio.  Given that power, you would certainly enjoy your First Amendment rights as fully as you were allowed.....given the constraints and rules and regulations of your employer. 

I am speaking of course, of the firing of Juan Williams at NPS, for speaking his personal opinion on Bill O'Reilly's show the other day.  NPR has justly said this was a violation of his contract; that they requested FOX not use his NPR association when he was on their network; and have repeatedly asked Juan not to appear as an "NPR news analyst" on Fox programming.  All the reputable networks ask the same of their news people and journalists.  Their job is to investigate and report the news in a non-biased way. Some got all pissed off that ABC wouldn't let their anchors wear American flag lapel pins, as even THAT could be seen as politically motivated.  Oh, you remember those days after September 11th? If you didn't have a flag in your window, or on your car, or tattooed across your forehead, you were a TERRORIST, or even worse, UNAMERICAN (see this post for what trouble THAT got me into)

Mr. Williams wrote for the Washington Post for years, where he won numerous awards for his outspoken opinions, but as a NEWS ANALYST, he does not have the right to speak his mind, OR his opinion in public.  The right wing conservatives are ranting that NPR is squashing free speech! Now, we know the right has always had a thing against NPR - most people who listen to it are educated, open minded and curious about the world we live in, unlike the base constituency of the right, most (not all, of course, I would never dare to stereotype an entire population) of whom are Jerry Springer loving, Sarah Palin supporters who think men should have control of women's bodies, that separation of church and state are not "in" the Constitution, and who probably couldn't locate Eritrea on a map if their lives depended on it.

If you read the memo NPR put out on the firing, they very clearly state that, as Juan's EMPLOYER, they felt what he said was in violation with his contract as an employee. Employees may attend events, to REPORT the facts, but not to participate, and certainly not to voice their opinion as a representative of NPR!!

If Bill O'Reilly had a crew on the street (oh PLEASE come to my street), and ran into him as some random man, then sure, Juan Williams could say whatever he wanted, and as even I would defend to the death his right to have his ridiculous myopic, xenophobic opinion.  But to be on the news, as a NPR analyst?  come on.  This is not a violation of free speech!

So, now I have "friends" calling me naive and stupid for not hearing liberal "bias" on NPR.  I listen to NPR all day long. I hear honest, truthful, black and white reporting on what is happening in the WORLD.  The fact is, it would not have mattered one red cent what Juan Williams' opinion on ANYTHING was....whether he was pro choice, pro gun, pro beat the baby seals, it just would NOT matter. He was in violation of his contract and NPR had the right to terminate their employee. 

I think the whole laughable/lamentable thing is NOW Fox GNUS has the "ousted" former NPR news analyst Juan Williams on THEIR payroll, so they can further vilify those of more open minds and call democrats, liberals and others of more open minds and hearts STUPID. A $2million contract with Fox for speaking his mind? Heck, I would take a public stand in opposition to my employer's rules and regulations and would have even thrown in the race card myself, if it meant I would be getting 2 million bucks AND another job! So, now at least Mr. Williams is back to doing what he does well - speaking his opinion,  and leaving the truth and the facts to those who really care about them. Bravo!